Committee

Definition

Committee is a noun that refers to a group of people appointed or elected to perform a specific function or to make decisions on behalf of a larger organization, institution, or group. Committees are often tasked with overseeing particular areas of interest or addressing specific issues within an organization.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˈmɪti/
• Respelling: kuh-MIT-ee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˈmɪti/
• Respelling: kuh-MIT-ee

Etymology

The word "committee" originates from the Anglo-French "commité," meaning "to entrust," derived from the Latin "committere," meaning "to bring together" or "to entrust." It entered English in the 15th century, initially referring to individuals entrusted with responsibility or decision-making authority.

Derivatives

• Committeeism (noun)
• Subcommittee (noun)
• Committeeman (noun)
• Committeewoman (noun)
• Committeeship (noun)

Synonyms

• Board
• Panel
• Task force

Antonyms

• Individual
• Single authority
• Sole decision-maker

Usage

The term "committee" is widely used in organizational and institutional settings to describe a designated group that makes decisions or addresses specific issues. For example, "The finance committee reviewed the budget," or "A new committee was formed to plan the event."

Related Terms

• Board: A group of people appointed to oversee or manage a particular organization or institution.
• Subcommittee: A smaller group within a committee formed to focus on a specific task or area.
• Council: An assembly of individuals brought together to make decisions or advise on particular issues.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A group of people appointed to discuss, make decisions, or perform a specific task: Refers to a formally constituted group assigned to oversee a specific area or make recommendations.
  • Example: "The ethics committee is responsible for upholding standards."
• A body within an organization with decision-making or advisory authority: Often refers to an established group within a company or institution that meets regularly to review and address relevant issues.
  • Example: "The audit committee meets quarterly to review financial statements."